US4170136A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Level indicator for frozen confection dispenser
Assignee: Stoelting Inc
•
Filing: 1978-08-02
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Granted: 1979-10-09
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Expires: 1998-08-02
Abstract
Abstract A tank level indicator having a mounting sleeve and a floating indicator rod slidably mounted in the sleeve. The sleeve has an inner wall from which projects inwardly a series of circumferentially spaced guide pads with gaps therebetween. The pads guide and space the indicator rod with respect to the inner wall. The remainder of the sleeve interior is free of such pads to leave a substantial clearance space between the inner wall of the sleeve and the indicator rod.
Inventors
- 👤 Tom M. Martineau
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 09:27
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01F; G01F23/00; G01F23/30; G01F23/56; G01F23/58
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
96 words
In a tank level indicator having a mounting sleeve and a floating indicator rod freely slidably mounted in the sleeve and in which the indicator rod picks up a film of liquid from the tank and carries it up into the sleeve, the improvement in which said sleeve has an inner wall from which projects inwardly a series of circumferentially spaced guide pads and gaps therebetween to guidingly support the rod in spaced relation to said inner wall for free movement in said sleeve and keep the film of liquid from rubbing onto the sleeve wall.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
96 words
In a tank level indicator having a mounting sleeve and a floating indicator rod freely slidably mounted in the sleeve and in which the indicator rod picks up a film of liquid from the tank and carries it up into the sleeve, the improvement in which said sleeve has an inner wall from which projects inwardly a series of circumferentially spaced guide pads and gaps therebetween to guidingly support the rod in spaced relation to said inner wall for free movement in said sleeve and keep the film of liquid from rubbing onto the sleeve wall.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
46 words
The invention of claim 1 in which said guide pads are disposed near one end of the sleeve, the remainder of the sleeve interior being free of such pads to leave a substantial clearance space between the inner wall of the sleeve and the indicator rod.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
The invention of claim 1 in which said sleeve has an outer wall with shoulder means for seating said sleeve against the tank wall.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
The invention of claim 3 in which said shoulder means comprises pads projecting outwardly from the sleeve outer wall.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
37 words
The invention of claim 1 in which said sleeve has an outer wall with a shoulder, a cap forming an enclosure in which the indicator rod moves and sealing means between the cap and the sleeve shoulder.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
24 words
The invention of claim 5 in which said sealing means comprises an O-ring, said sleeve shoulder and cap having surfaces engaged against said O-ring.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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US2565423A
Cited
US3359799A
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US3498141A
Cited
US3691839A
Cited
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Cited
US4064828A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1982-10-08 | 1983-04-09 | 1983-10-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1986-10-08 | 1987-04-09 | 1987-10-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1990-10-08 | 1991-04-09 | 1991-10-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |